Graduate students may apply to one of three programs of study within the Department of Biological Sciences at the time of their admission to graduate study: the graduate programs in marine biology/biological oceanography and neurobiology/cell biology, both of which lead to the Master of Science or Doctor of Philosophy degrees in biology with emphasis in either chosen area; and the graduate program in molecular biology, which leads to a master's or Ph.D. degree in molecular biology. The three programs emphasize different levels of biological organization and consequently may require somewhat different undergraduate preparation.
The graduate programs in biology with emphases in marine biology/biological oceanography and neurobiology/cell biology provide education and training of biologists interested in living systems ranging from cellular to ecosystem levels of organization, investigated by laboratory or field work. Courses and faculty research interests allow a multidisciplinary approach. Specialty areas of particular strength include marine biology, biological oceanography, neurobiology, and cell biology. A number of additional research areas are provided by adjunct faculty in the adjacent Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History and elsewhere. Students develop the ability to formulate and test hypotheses, integrating information and concepts in the completion of a research project (M.S.) or dissertation (Ph.D.). A guidance committee is formed for each student during the first year to develop a particular program of course work and research, and to evaluate the student's progress. Specific information about the options in Biological Sciences can be obtained by requesting marine biology and neurobiology information brochures.
Applicants must have a bachelor's degree in a natural science (preferably biology), or in mathematics or engineering; required background courses include organic chemistry, general physics and mathematics through integral calculus. Applicants are evaluated by their transcripts and GPA; scores on the GRE General Test and a GRE Subject Test in a natural science (preferably biology); three letters of recommendation; and a statement of interests. A faculty member must serve as initial sponsor and advisor. Applicants who are accepted but judged to have minor deficiencies are expected to correct them within the first year.
Applications include a university and a departmental form; these may be obtained from: Graduate Student Coordinator, Graduate Program in (either) Marine Biology or Neurobiology, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0371.
These degrees are awarded under the jurisdiction of the Graduate School. Refer to the Graduate Students section and the Graduate School section of this catalogue for general regulations. All courses applied toward the degrees must be courses accepted by the Graduate School.
The M.S. degree program in biology admits students for a terminal degree only; students who may later wish to continue for a doctorate should enter the Ph.D. program initially, in which case the M.S. can be earned along the way by completion of the M.S. requirements.
The M.S. degree program is a non-thesis program but a paper, based on the student's original research investigation of a selected program in biology, constitutes one of the requirements. Each student must take two full biology graduate core courses (BISC 582, BISC 583), two seminars, and an additional graduate course or research units for a minimum of 24 units; students also must satisfy the residency and other requirements of the Graduate School. Further details of these requirements are contained within each graduate program's particular requirements and policies.
Students pursuing this degree choose between two broad areas of specialization, a marine biology/biological oceanography option and a neurobiology/cell biology option. Each option specifies particular course work and other requirements. A minimum total of 60 units is required, consisting of formal courses, seminars and research credit. At least 24 of the minimum 60 total units required are to be formal graduate course work (lecture or seminar courses). Candidates must also pass a screening examination to determine competence and point out deficiencies, fulfill a research tool requirement (computer skills, biostatistics, quantitative chemistry), and meet the residency and other requirements of the Graduate School. Because teaching experience is considered to be an important part of graduate training, each student is required to serve two semesters as a teaching assistant within the department.
Before the end of the fifth semester, each student must pass a written and oral qualifying examination given by the student's guidance committee. The written part involves answering a number of questions at length. The oral part is in the area of the student's intended research, based on a project selected and developed by the student into a written proposition. After passing the qualifying examination, the student completes the research investigation and any other requirements under the guidance of the research advisor who also chairs the dissertation committee. The student then writes a dissertation, which must be defended by the student before committee approval.
In the marine biology/biological oceanography option, each student receives a general background in marine sciences and obtains in-depth specialization in a research area of his or her choosing. Each student's curriculum is fitted to the particular needs and demands of the chosen research field. The 24 units of formal course work must include the two specified core courses (BISC 582, BISC 583) as well as six two-unit graduate seminars. Students are required to participate in the marine sciences seminar series, in which formal seminars given by distinguished outside speakers alternate with informal presentations by graduate students and faculty.
The neurobiology/cell biology option provides each student with a broad, fundamental background in neurobiology and with detailed knowledge and expertise in the chosen area of concentration. Each student's curriculum is tailored to the particular interests of that individual. The formal course work includes 12 units of specified courses (a two semester introductory core sequence plus four BISC 539 seminars) and 12 units of advanced electives chosen from a long list of courses in Biological Sciences, Psychology, Computer Science, and other relevant departments. Students are expected to attend and participate in departmental research seminars.
Produced by the USC Division of Student Affairs, Office of University Publications, May 1, 1995